Blues and All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta is set to leave New Zealand Rugby for Japan, according to multiple reports.
Sport Nation and NZ Herald have published reports suggesting Perofeta, who started the first two Tests of Scott Robertson’s tenure in 2024, is poised to leave the country for Japan at the end of the Shop N Save Super Rugby season.
Perofeta would join numerous New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific players who have announced their departure at the end of the 2026 season, including Devan Flanders, Fehi Fineanganofo, AJ Lam, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Riley Higgins.
The Blues first five has started the past two Super Rugby Pacific matches under Vern Cotter, highlighting the depth of talent New Zealand will lose at the end of the season.
Perofeta has made 65 appearances for Taranaki at Bunnings NPC level, while he is also one of the Blues’ most experienced players with 72 Super Rugby appearances.
The Blues will face the Hurricanes at 7.05pm Saturday.
In other matches, the Chiefs will take on the Highlanders at 7.05pm Friday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will host the NSW Waratahs at 4.35pm Saturday, and the Reds will meet the Force at 9.35pm.
Source: RugbyPass
